5-18-06.AE.e-mailblast

Greetings On-Line Family

As we begin today our hearts are heavy because one of our mother's is experiencing the consequences of the senseless violence that have been plaguing our communities, which we have written about time and time again. This mother is currently heart broken and suffering from the fair of loosing her son who was recently wounded by a gun shot to his head during an apparent robbery attempt. To Ms. Dawkins we want you to know that our thoughts are with you, and your son (Collin) is in our prayers. You son is a wonderful young man and we are with you as you hold on to him for his life. Your strength through this entire ordeal is amazing, you are truly a phenomenal mother.

Online Family: Please Keep Collin in your prayers, and pray that his mom (Ms. Dawkins) and sister continue being strong!!!

Last week was a great Sunday, not only it was Mother's Day, but Klassik productions presented their 2nd Annual Caribbean Mother's Day Gospel Fest. Please read the review below, and thank you message from Klassik Productions

Review of Klassik Productions 2006 Caribbean Mother's Day Gospel Festival

It was another Klassik Production event at UDC on Mother’s Day, and what a fantastic event it was. It rained outside, but the spirits of the guests were by no means dampened as they were entertained by the fantastic cast of performers presented by the ladies of Klassik. From the minute MC John Blake welcomed the audience with a prayer to the last curtain, the Auditorium of the University of the District of Columbia exuded warmth, excitement and joy. The show opened with a rendition of Inner Sanctum and Prince of Peace by David Boothman’s Sweet Lime and Passion, followed by a dance choreographed by Antoinette Connell and performed by Amina Carter. The audience was later treated to two more dances which were choreographed by this wonderfully talented lady who herself accompanied Shevon Baptiste during her first song entitled I Need You Now by Smokey Norfill. Shevon continued to charm her audience with her soul-stirring renditions, which climaxed with an upbeat version of Amazing Grace. Sean Daniel picked up the momentum with his first song entitled Character. He later performed True Government, which won him the Young Kings 2006 competition while the audience chanted his chorus line “true government is when God leads the leader.” His dedication of Arise Oh Lord to all mothers was timely and well-received; however what brought the audience to their feet and earned him several encores was Waving Ting. The auditorium was awashed with red as the audience waved their red handkerchiefs provided by the promoters in response to Sean’s call to make a “wave offering.” It was a sight to behold as Sean exited the stage to their chants of “we want more.”

The second half of the show began with awards and door prizes. A longevity award was presented to 91 year old Adelene C. Telesford while a community service award was given to The Trinidad and Tobago Working Women Committee. After a melodious version of Signs of Life performed by Diann Marshall, the Queen of Calypso arrived on stage to a fanfare of music where she reigned majestically as she entertained her audience with her usual fervor, sprinkled generously with humor. She was a definite hit as song after song was received by the audience, many of whom by now were on their feet including two little girls who danced so spiritedly in the aisle that Calypso Rose felt moved to offer them a financial blessing. For the grand finale the entire cast performed David Boothman’s unique arrangement of Amazing Grace. What a wonderful evening it was!!! Definitely an evening of great performances, well choreographed by the ladies of Klassik. For those of you who have missed the first two Gospel Fests, mark your calendar for next year’s edition. It’s an event too good to be missed.

A special thank you to all who supported our 2nd Annual Caribbean Gospel Fest. It was a wonderful evening and those who were there can loudly attest to the high quality of performance that has become the stamp of Klassik Productions. Our dancers were entertaining, Shevon was outstanding; Sean Daniel had the crowd begging for more, and Calypso Rose was the true veteran performer, all presented against the backdrop of David Boothman's Sweet Lime and Passion and his lead singer, Diann Marshall. Friends, those of you who have never experienced a Klassik production you do not know what you are missing. Some of you are out of state so it's difficult for you, but for those who are local, you owe it to yourself to partake of the wonderful fare that is always served up by the ladies of Klassik. I know that I'm tooting my own horn, and if this sounds like a boast, I boast with confidence that what I'm saying is true. So thanks once again for your support, whether it was tangible or intangible, whether you were there or not, whether you passed on the word, sold, or purchased tickets. Every effort on your part was received by us and we appreciate it as much as I appreciate all of you.

Glenda Dickonson

Need Hotel or Travel Arrangements for DC Carnival, check out our hot picks

DC Carnival is heating up and it's 1 month and 1 week away. We have been receiving many inquiries about hotels and transportation in the vicinity of the Carnival and the Events surrounding the Carnival. Due to this we have recently launched the Arious Travel Network, which will provide you the opportunity to take advantage of low cost travel services. To the right we have added some recommended hotels which will be in close proximity to many of the Carnival events.

Need Air, Hotel and Car

To design your own itinerary and find the best package to suit your needs!

Comfort Inn & Suites

9020 Baltimore Avenue

College Park, MD 20740

Average Rate starting at $83.00 per night

Comfort Inn Largo/Fed Ex Field

55 Hampton Park Blvd.

Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Average Rate starting at $86.00 per night

Best Western Capital Beltway

5910 Princess Garden Parkway

Lanham, MD 20706

Average Rate starting at $87.00 per night

Events Taking Place This Weekend

Washington DC Mas bands will be showing their costumes at "Carnival City"

This Sunday

May 21, 2006

Log on to www.dccaribbeancarnival.com to learn more about this event "Carnival City"

Ice Entertainment presents his mas band "Ice Carnival" for 2006 DC Caribbean Carnival

with his Portrayal "Royal Fantasy"

Log On to Ice Carnival’s website www.icecarnival.net for all the details

Arious Entertainment is a proud sponsor of "Royal Fantasy"

Oliver Samuels in "Class of 73"

Patrick Brown's spectacular hilarious play, coming direct from Kingston , Jamaica starring Oliver Samuels, Glen Titus Campbell and Camille Davis

Sunday, May 21, 2006 @ Howard University's Cramton Auditorium

2455 6th St., NW, Washington , D.C.

For More Information

TICKETS - $38 per person

TICKET OUTLETS

Cramton Box Office (202) 806-7194 ; Ticketmaster in DC 202-397-seat, VA 703-573-seat, MD 410-547-seat ; Spice Island Music 240-462-5843, 301-772-2422; Caribbean Delight 301-439-1270; Caribbean Sea 301-891-3497

All Caribbean outlets in MD, VA & D.C.

UPCOMING EVENTS & BAND LAUNCHINGS

Washington DC Mas bands will be showing their costumes at "Carnival City"

Sunday June 4, 2006

Log on to www.dccaribbeancarnival.com to learn more about "Carnival City"

This section of our weekly e-mail is devoted to Carnivals in the US. Our major focus will be DC (of course); Atlanta, Orlando, Baltimore, New York, and Miami. In an effort to promote the Carnivals around the US we invite interested masquerade bands, event promoters, Carnival organizers to contact us, so we can inform you on our "Carnival In The US promotion" @ admin@ariousentertainment.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Atlanta Carnival